Small Central Receiver Brayton Cycle Study. Final Technical Report, December 1, 1982-June 30, 1983

摘要

The study was initiated to investigate the potential of small scale, central receiver Brayton cycle systems to provide simple, highly reliable, low-maintenance electrical generating systems. The objectives were to identify Brayton cycle configurations suited for high-reliability central receiver systems generating electricity in the 2- and 25-MW/sub e/ power ranges and to identify and recommend high-temperature receiver designs most appropriate to the preferred cycle configurations. The cycle configurations considered were open and closed cycles with and without regeneration and/or intercooling. The configurations were assessed in terms of required machine design modifications, component availability turbomachinery location, costs and performance. Design point performance was studied as a function of system pressure, turbine inlet temperature and receiver pressure loss. An open cycle regenerated and intercooled configuration was selected for the 25-MW/sub e/ plant size. At the 2-MW/sub e/ size, an open simple cycle was chosen. The high temperature receiver study involved the identification of heat exchange concepts, survey of high-temperature materials, and selection of preferred concepts. Thermal and mechanical design analyses were completed on the receiver concepts. The ceramic tube receiver concept was selected as the preferred concept for the 25-MW/sub e/ plant size. The small particle receiver concept was selected for the 2-MW/sub e/ plant size. The preferred receiver designs were combined with the preferred cycle data to produce system level designs. System performance and cost data were generated for each plant size. The results of this study show that small-scale, remotely-sited solar Brayton central receiver systems are technically feasible and economically attractive through the use of simple passive receiver designs and low-maintenance, high-reliability gas turbomachinery. (ERA citation 10:022560)